The Audit Risk Compliance Officer is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of internal audit, risk management, and compliance functions within the establishment. Working within a highly regulated and operationally dynamic environment, you will monitor and improve risk controls across the facility, ensuring full compliance with industry standards, government regulations, and best practices for animal welfare and food safety. Your dual reporting role ensures that your findings directly inform both strategic board-level decisions and tactical operational adjustments, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

Key Requirements:

• Audit & Compliance Management
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive internal audit program to periodically assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management strategies, and regulatory compliance within the establishment.
  • Coordinate and oversee internal audit projects, ensuring that audit findings are documented, and corrective actions are monitored and implemented across departments.
  • Manage and interact with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and industry-specific certification agencies to ensure compliance with all relevant standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO certifications, local animal welfare regulations).
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation 
  • Conduct regular risk assessments tailored to the unique operational and regulatory challenges of a livestock slaughtering environment, including biosecurity, food safety, worker safety, environmental impact, and animal welfare.
  • Identify emerging risks and internal control weaknesses; design proactive measures to mitigate these risks before they impact operations.
  • Develop and maintain risk matrices, dashboards, and incident reporting systems to track vulnerabilities and coordinate effective countermeasures.
• Dual Reporting & Communication 
  • Prepare detailed audit reports, risk assessments, and compliance reviews for presentation to both the Board Audit/Risk & Compliance Committee and the Senior Management team.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between board-level governance and operational management by translating technical audit findings into actionable recommendations that align with the establishment’s strategic objectives.
  • Coordinate quarterly review meetings with both reporting lines to ensure a cohesive approach to risk management and to track the implementation of remediation strategies.
• Policy Development & Training
  • Lead the development and periodic revision of internal policies and procedures, ensuring they meet or exceed regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
  • Organize training sessions and workshops to foster awareness and adherence to compliance standards among employees, managers, and contractors.4
  • Advise on the integration of new technologies or processes that can enhance the facility’s audit and risk management capabilities.
• Operational Oversight & Continuous Improvement 
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to risk management and compliance, utilizing data-driven insights to guide continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Partner with operations and safety teams on incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action follow-ups to prevent recurrence of compliance issues or operational risks.
  • Ensure that the facility’s operations remain resilient against regulatory changes and market pressures while sustaining high industry standards for safety and quality.

Qualifications:

• Education & Certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP), or equivalent are highly desirable.
  • Additional certification or training in food safety, animal welfare standards, or occupational health and safety will be considered an asset.
• Experience 
  • A minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance within a highly regulated industry, preferably with experience in food processing, agriculture, or a slaughtering/processing environment.
  • Proven experience working under dual-reporting structures, demonstrating the ability to balance independent oversight with operational integration.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Analytical Skills: Ability to synthesize detailed audit findings, risk assessments, and compliance data, transforming them into clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interface effectively with both board-level executives and day-to-day operational teams.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking abilities and an aptitude for innovative solutions tailored to a challenging and dynamic environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.
  • Ethical Judgement: Commitment to transparency, integrity, and confidentiality in handling sensitive audit and compliance information.
  • Adaptability: Comfort in managing priorities and navigating challenges in a fast-paced, operational setting where regulatory demands are continually evolving.
• Work Environment & Physical Demands 
  • Ability to frequently move between administrative office spaces and the operational areas of the facility.
  • May require wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and familiarity with the safety protocols associated with livestock processing facilities.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours during audits, investigations, or in response to urgent compliance matters.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Engage in periodic training and continuous professional development to stay current with emerging regulatory trends, industry standards, and technological advancements.
  • Lead or participate in cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, reducing operational risks, and fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.
  • Serve as an internal advocate for ethical practices, ensuring that audit findings and risk assessments lead to measurable improvements across the organization.

Interested applicants are required to submit their application including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and other supporting documents.

Applications to be strictly sent via email to recruit@fmib.com.fj

Applications close on 12th September, 2025.

For more details download the JD here

Fiji Meat Industry Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer.